royal elegance

Based on traditional Ghanaian artistry, this elegant mask boasts bold colors. Ali Mohammed creates an original design of graceful lines. Carved by hand of seasoned sese wood, it is named Odehyie, or "royal mask" in the Akan language.

His call beckons all to court, for this horn blower is appointed by royal command. A palace regular, his horn is known by all to be the Akan king's summons for a discussion on stately affairs. George Obeng employs locally handmade tools to carve this statuette from teak wood, his exceptional skill evident in the musician's careful detailing. A master carver, Obeng captures the messenger's dedication and proud devotion as he undertakes the responsibility of gathering everyone for the meeting. A work of splendid elegance, this statuette is certain to instill admiration.

Richly textured repoussé covers an elongated face of regal features. Silvery aluminum and polished wood in black and brown create an elegant contrast. Crowning the mask by Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo, a bird is vigilant. "This is an akanga bird," she explains. "It lives in the chief's palace and sings at certain times to indicate good tidings. Young ladies are privileged to have this bird sing on their rooftops to indicate good news from the royal home. Possessing this mask brings honor and respect to a girl and her family."

Wear Ghana's classic style in an elegant and sophisticated way with Nakz-Couture's newest design. Crafted from cotton, this elastic bonnet in a palette of green, yellow and orange hues features a traditional geometric pattern that will add a graceful look to your days. The piece is also equipped with ties that allow for fitted use.

Inspired by African royalty, Ghanaian artisan Ibrahim Seyeed designs an elegant African mask. Perfect for displaying on a tabletop, the mask is hand-carved of local sese wood, featuring a diamond shape below the round face. Sayeed paints it in colours of brown, red, and yellow, accenting the face and base with embossed aluminium and brass that reflects traditional scarification practises. A bird rests atop the head. Sayeed names the mask naab poak, meaning "queen" in the Wala language.

Woven by hand, traditional West African kente cloth becomes a colorful scarf. Rachel Armah presents a traditional design known as Sika Futuro in the Akan language. "Sika" means "gold" and "futuro" means "dust," and the motif symbolizes wealth, royalty, elegance, spiritual purity and honorable achievement. Each strip of kente cloth requires considerable effort, and the looms are worked with both hands and feet. Each color has its own meanings in Ashanti culture. Green is fertility and new harvest, gold is royalty, black is strength, aging and spirituality, and white is purity.